Large Batch Old Fashion for Party

Do Old Fashioneds work well in large batches? Doesn’t sound too appealing.

When I batch drinks I find it's necessary to add water to the cocktail to pre-dilute it, since it's typically not being stirred.

I also find it better to add the bitters to the glass. Their flavors get lost or muddled when pre-batching.

If I we're batching one handle here's what I'd do.

Mix
1.75ml Rye Whiskey
12-16floz 1:1 simple syrup
6-8floz water
And refrigerate over night in an airtight container.

If not adding bitters to the glass,

Just before serving, add
1-2tsp Angostura bitters
1-2tsp Regans' Orange bitters
And stir. Taste and adjust. This is also when you can adjust the dilution and sweetness.

Bring 20-25 large ice cube blocks, 30 orange peels, and a small jar of Luxardo Maraschino cherries for garnish.

I had an old fashioned themed birthday and just had all the ingredients out and a few recipe variations printed available. Guests could make their own as they saw fit. I personally like that better than a big batch. But I'm sure you wouldn't have an issue premixing the whiskey and bitters if you wanted.

Get some Proof syrup and use that if you are unsure. Honestly, its pretty decent for a quick Old Fashioned. Being a drink snob I was kind of shocked how much I liked it.